- Agreement providing $11.2 million in funding to expand the Horticultural Netting Program has been signed.
- The wholly Australian Government funded program will allow horticulture growers to access 50 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing protective netting.
- Horticulture producers will be able to apply to Agriculture Victoria for grants shortly.
More horticulture producers across Victoria are set to benefit from the expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial following the signing of the funding agreement with the Victorian Government.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Member for Mallee Anne Webster announced the expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program Trial on Wednesday saying it would see improved productivity and farm gate returns for even more horticulture producers in Victoria.
Dr Webster said the program expansion would be a huge benefit for the horticultural producers in Mallee.
“Victoria’s horticulture sector produced more than $3 billion worth of fruit, nuts and vegetables in 2019-20,” Dr Webster said.
“Now with the expanded program opening to most horticultural commodities, Industry will be able to improve the quality and quantity of outputs.
“By conserving water and minimising damage from bad weather, industry will be future-proofing from the shocks and impacts of climate change.
“As we head towards the target of $100 billion by 2030 in the ag industry, every mechanism to assist productivity is welcomed. The netting program is part of addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the horticultural industry.”
“Horticultural netting provides a huge range of benefits,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Properly installed netting can seriously improve both the quality and quantity of fresh food crops, while reducing water usage by up to 30 per cent.
“The value added for growers by programs like this will help the agriculture industry to become a $100 billion sector by 2030.
“I am pleased that the finalisation of the funding agreement will see $11.2 million in additional Australian Government funding provided to Victoria producers. This brings total funding for netting in Victoria to almost $16 million.”
More information about the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial Expansion in Victoria can be found at: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/funds-grants-programs/horticultural-netting-grants-program.
Fast Facts:
- 2019-20 MYEFO provided $25.9 million for the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial, with $4.6 million allocated to Victoria.
- 2021-22 MYEFO expands the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial by providing a further $35 million for the Program, with a further $11.2 million allocated for Victoria.
- 55 grants to Victorian horticulturalists have been approved to date under the initial Trial to cover apple and pear crops.
- Horticulturalists in Victoria will be able to apply for grants from Agriculture Victoria and the program will operate until 30 June 2024 or until all the funds are committed.